Lobbyist Faces Federal Extortion Charge Over $500,000 Demand in New York
Federal prosecutors in New York have unsealed charges against a lobbyist, accusing him of orchestrating an extortion scheme to demand $500,000 from a former client and the client's son. The case involves allegations of hiring an enforcer to intimidate the victims, with the lobbyist potentially facing up to 20 years in prison if convicted.
Arrest and Allegations in Brooklyn Court
Joshua Nass, a 34-year-old lobbyist and licensed attorney from Charleston, South Carolina, appeared before a magistrate judge in Brooklyn on Saturday. He was charged with attempted extortion, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of New York. Nass was released on a $5 million bond following his arrest outside a New York hotel on Friday.
Court documents reveal that Nass allegedly recruited a confidential witness starting in January, agreeing to pay them to force the former client, referred to as "John Doe 1," and intimidate his son, "John Doe 2," into paying the demanded sum. Nass claimed the money was owed for services rendered to the client.
FBI Condemns Alleged Shakedown Tactics
James Barnacle Jr., assistant director in charge of the FBI's New York field office, stated in a news release, "Rather than honestly representing his client, Joshua Nass allegedly chose to shake him down by hiring an enforcer to extort payment. The FBI prioritizes crushing violent crimes offenses and extortion schemes."
An FBI agent's signed affidavit detailed that Nass instructed the witness not to behave "like a human being" with the son, suggesting aggressive tactics. Between January and March, Nass and the witness discussed methods to extort the payment, including assaulting the son or forcing him into a car with masked men while making threats.
Background on Lobbying and Pardon Connections
A federal lobbying disclosure form filed with the U.S. House and Senate, dated January 15 and digitally signed by Nass, listed Joseph Schwartz as a client for the final three months of 2025. The form indicated that Nass's firm generated an estimated $100,000 in income from lobbying activities during that period, with "federal presidential pardon advocacy" among the issues addressed.
In November, former President Donald Trump pardoned Joseph Schwartz, who had pleaded guilty in federal court in 2024 for his role in a $38 million employment tax fraud scheme involving nursing homes he owned nationwide through New Jersey-based Skyline Management Group. John Marzulli, a spokesperson for the U.S. Attorney's Office, declined to comment on whether the allegations against Nass are related to activities involving Schwartz.
Details of the Payment Dispute and Intimidation Attempts
According to a letter from the U.S. Attorney's Office, Nass agreed in December to provide lobbying services to the client, who signed an agreement to pay $600,000. The son assisted with a $100,000 payment but requested a payment plan for the remaining balance, which Nass viewed as an "insult."
Court documents allege that Nass directed the witness to go to the son's home in the New York area to compel payment. However, the son shut the door on the witness after learning Nass had sent him. Nass was arrested on the same day he expected to meet with the confidential witness.
Nass's attorney did not immediately respond to requests for comment via email and text messages. The case continues to unfold as federal authorities emphasize their commitment to combating extortion and violent crimes in the region.
